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===== Windows =====
{{:opencpn:manual_basic:get_started:installation:windows.png?60|}}

==== Windows 7/8/10/11 (except W8 RT)====

Download the installation package for Windows from [[https://opencpn.org/OpenCPN/info/downloadopencpn.html|Download OpenCPN]].

  * Use the stable release for navigation en route, or if you just started using OpenCPN.
  * Exit all other programs, including your **anti virus program** - known to create problems in some cases. Unplug your network cable, to be on the safe side.
  * Run the downloaded installer. Re-start your anti-virus. Re-connect the network
  * If upgrading from a previous version of OpenCPN, there is no need to un-install the old version. Simply install the new version and it will upgrade OpenCPN, saving all your existing configuration and preferences.
  * If this is a new installation, click on the Toolbox icon {{:opencpn:manual_basic:get_started:installation:settings.png?|}}  and configure your GPS source, chart directories, and other settings. It is highly recommended that you use the //Chart Downloader Tab// to setup directories and download charts.
  * If your installation goes well, but OpenCPN does not start as expected, try to download and install __[[http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=A5C84275-3B97-4AB7-A40D-3802B2AF5FC2&displaylang=en|these runtime components]]__.

==== Windows 11 ====

To install OpenCPN or Plugins it is necessary to make some changes to Windows 11 as follows:

  - //Settings >  Apps >  Choose where to get apps//

There are four options in the dropdown menu:

  - Anywhere
  - Anywhere, but let me know if there is a comparable app in the Microsoft Store
  - Anywhere, but warn me before installing an app that's not from the Microsoft Store
  - The Microsoft Store only (recommended)

Any of the above except for the (recommended) will allow installation. For most users the third option is probably the safest choice. 

==== No longer supported: ====

  * Win 8 RT, Win CE, Win2000, Win XP, Win 98/ME- Not supported.
  * Old versions of OpenCPN are available on **[[http://sourceforge.net/projects/opencpn/files/opencpn/|SourceForge]]. **

